Student Expression and Use of College Facilities
The following outlines students' rights and responsibilities regarding free expression, distribution of materials, use of college facilities, and disciplinary measures. This policy ensures that student activities align with institutional guidelines while protecting lawful expression.
Definitions and Key Provisions
Antisemitism Definition
Laredo College follows the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which includes rhetorical and physical acts targeting Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, and Jewish community institutions. Antisemitic harassment and discrimination are explicitly prohibited.
Distribution of Literature
- Students and registered student organizations may distribute materials in designated areas, provided they do not disrupt college operations or violate content restrictions.
- The College District is not responsible for content distributed by students unless officially sponsored.
- Instructional materials used in classrooms are exempt from these distribution restrictions.
Limitations on Content:
- Materials may not be distributed if they:
- Are obscene or defamatory.
- Advocate unlawful or disruptive actions.
- Contain prohibited harassment, including antisemitic content.
- Constitute unauthorized solicitation or infringe upon intellectual property rights.
Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions:
- Distribution must not disrupt college functions or interfere with access to facilities.
- Materials must not result in damage, coercion, or intimidation.
- All distributed materials must comply with local, state, and federal laws.
- Distributors are responsible for cleaning up any discarded materials.
Posting of Signs
- Signs may be posted in common outdoor areas and designated locations but must comply with size and attachment restrictions.
- Signs cannot be attached to trees, fences, brick walls, statues, or within buildings (except on designated bulletin boards).
- Students and organizations must remove signs within 14 days or within 24 hours after an event concludes.
Use of College Facilities and Grounds
- Students and registered student organizations may request facility use through the Director of Student Life.
- Approval is granted based on availability and compliance with policies.
- Requests may be denied if they pose security risks, disrupt academic programs, or involve unauthorized solicitation.
Common Outdoor Area Exception:
- Outdoor areas are public forums where students may engage in expression without prior approval, unless it involves unlawful activity, harassment, or material disruption.
Announcements and Publicity
- All students and registered student organizations have equal access to announce and publicize their activities.
- Identification may be required when distributing materials or using facilities.
Policy Violations and Disciplinary Actions
- Failure to comply may result in:
- Confiscation of non-compliant materials.
- Suspension of facility use privileges.
- Disciplinary action, including possible expulsion.
- Individuals interfering with permitted expression may face disciplinary measures.
Appeals and Policy Distribution
- Students may appeal administrative decisions per college procedures.
- The policy must be published online, included in student and employee handbooks, and distributed during orientation.
FLA — Student Rights and Responsibilities: Student Expression and Use of College Facilities protects free expression while maintaining a safe, inclusive, and educational environment at Laredo College.